5 bucket list experiences in Taiwan China

With trendy urban hubs, gorgeous natural scenery and incredible food to satisfy even the most ardent foodie, Taiwan has an appeal that never seems to fade, no matter how many times you visit. While it’s easy to get hooked on Taipei alone, we highlight five must-try experiences from across the island.

Taipei

Taipei’s mix of traditional, modern, urban and rural brings you the best of Taiwan in one place. Here, you can soak in hot spring baths and follow leafy hiking trails by day, then feast on street food and relax in glitzy bars by night. 

To save on planning, consider booking a Flight + Hotel package with Cathay. You’ll spend one night at Palais de Chine, a sophisticated property in the heart of the city where you can expect to be pampered – especially with a free upgrade to an executive deluxe room and complimentary access to the executive lounge. On your second night, stay in a “vantel”, a comfortable camper that’s all yours to explore the city in for 30 hours (please note that you must hold a valid Taiwanese or international driving license to be able to drive). 

Taroko National Park, Hualien

On the eastern coast of Taiwan lies Hualien, a popular destination  home to some of the island’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. Its main draw is Taroko National Park, a beautifully rugged area that takes its name from the steep marble gorge of Taroko; the name “Taroko” itself derives from the Truku, an indigenous tribe that lives in the area. With an abundance of accessible hiking trails and well-situated hotels – the luxurious Silks Place Taroko deserves a special mention – exploring the area has never been easier. History enthusiasts can also pay a visit to the lotus-shaped Xiangde Temple to embrace Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. 

Alishan, Chiayi County

One of Taiwan’s most scenic areas, Alishan is rainy around 40 per cent of the year, creating a unique environment that gives rise to the “five wonders of Alishan”. The first four are the area’s beautiful sunrises and sunsets, its sea of low-hanging clouds and its lush, dense forests. The fifth is the Alishan Forest Railway, which gives visitors access to the Alishan National Forest Recreational Area. This popular sightseeing area, located more than 2,000 metres above sea level, was once home to a host of primordial cypress trees before their numbers were slashed by logging. The few that remain are now considered sacred and well worth a visit. 

Taoyuan

To the west of Taipei, the city of Taoyuan is less cosmopolitan than its neighbour and has retained  its traditional charm, with temples, museums and a buzzing night market. One of its most delightful attractions is Daxi Old Street, a heritage area that is home to woodcarving artisans, street eats and baroque architecture dating back to the early 20th century. If you book a Flight + Hotel package through Cathay, you’ll get to enjoy a stay at Taoyuan’s stylish Cozzi Blu hotel which includes daily breakfast and complimentary tickets to either Chiao Hu Wonderland , an educational theme park that’s perfect for families, or XPark , an aquarium that features an artificial tide pool and a penguin exhibit. 

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, a lively port city on the south coast of Taiwan, has a unique character shaped by its history as a hub for maritime trade. At the trendy Pier-2 Art Centre , once-abandoned warehouses have been converted into vibrant art studios, cafés and shops. Kaohsiung’s location also means that seafood abounds; foodies will want to head straight to the Liuhe Night Market, one of the most popular markets in Taiwan, for fresh battered squid. The 85 Sky Tower – the second tallest building in Taiwan – offers panoramic views over the city from its 75th-floor observation deck.

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